Incident Overview
On 11 December 2020, a Tecnam P2006T (registration SP-MEL) was conducting an instrument flight rules (IFR) training flight at Łódź Airport (EPLL). After completing a touch-and-go on runway 07, at an altitude of approximately 1000 feet above mean sea level, the aircraft experienced vibrations on the right engine. The instructor reduced power, but the vibrations persisted. Deciding to shut down the engine, the instructor informed air traffic control of the intention to land on runway 25. The aircraft landed without further incident.
Investigation Findings
Post-flight technical inspection and a full engine run-up revealed no abnormalities or malfunctions. The engine appeared to be operating correctly across all power settings. Investigators then examined the prevailing weather conditions at the time of the event. The temperature and dew point were both 0°C, with 100% relative humidity—conditions known to be conducive to severe carburetor icing at any power setting. Engine vibrations are a characteristic symptom of carburetor icing. The pilot did not associate the symptoms with icing and instead believed an engine malfunction had occurred.
Safety Recommendations
The investigating body noted that the appropriate pilot response in such conditions would be to activate carburetor heat and, if possible, exit the icing environment. After the incident, the instructor was briefed on the importance of trying carburetor heat as the first action before deciding to shut down an engine in conditions favorable for carburetor icing. No additional safety recommendations were formulated.